Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter! It belonged to Yoshihiro Togashi! That would be so awesome if it is!


The Hunters 9th Hunt

The Hunt X The Act

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The boat arrived at Zevil Island. The remaining candidates took their time to examine ahead the forest and individually thought of possible ways to snatch the tag off their targets.

The announcer woman started the timer and called the first examinee to enter the forest. Hisoka stepped in the forest with an eerie and unsettling smile on his face which troubled the others knowing that he could ambush anyone in no time.

Each candidate has an interval time of 2 minutes before entering the forest. If Hisoka's addiction in killing is not triggered then basically those who disembark earlier had also the advantage. They too can hide and monitor their target's movements.

Well, this wasn't helping her situation at all. Sam's in a pinch knowing that she's the last one and of course the very fact that she instantly became well known with the other applicants. Perfectly calling the attention of her number one stalker in the forest, her predator and maybe soon to be killer.

One by one, the examinees were called and marched into the forest. Kurapika, Killua, Gon, and Leorio took turns to say good bye and wished them all good luck. After Tonpa, it was finally Sam's turn. She entered the forest with confidence and heightened her senses as she walks casually on the path.

This is very bad. Hunting was never this bad in her case. She had no idea who's her target. The only clue she had was her target's number! But that's it! No scent, not even his/her voice!

It would be very difficult and would take long to track her target. The only safest way for her to earn points is to face whomever she crossed with (with the very exemption of Hisoka) and take the tag.

One of them is the person targeting her. If she manages to lure him/her out then there's a chance Sam could get his tag and earn one point.

Now the problem is the other two.

First she needed to look for a place where there's food and water. Near the river would be a good choice. She has to familiarize around her as well. The distinct scent of each place she passed by has to register in her memory. Even the type of soil she's stepping on she had to check. In an island like this, not all part has the same type of soil.

She walked deep into the forest for almost five hours just to look for any water sources. There was no difficulty in walking inside the forest. Sam almost lived her entire life inside a forest since she got her eyes blind.

Gladly, the air around her starts to get cooler. That was a good progress. She might be near the river or a lake.

Sam closed her eyes and intently listened around her. She ignored the sound of the wind, the rustling of the leaves and even the rustling sound by the bushes so that she can only pinpoint where the water is. Finally, the faint sound of flowing water reached her ears.

She gradually walked towards it. Now, finding some water source is a success. Sam could easily find food near the water, be it fruits, herbs or fish. The girl looked for a tree near the river. In between the large roots of that same tree, she made it her temporary shelter and sat down to relax.

Yes, in middle of a forest where 25 applicants hunt each other she finds time to relax. Tiredness never came; it's just that she has no other things to do. Acting defenseless was part of the plan. Or allows some openings to let her pursuer try to snatch her ID tag.

Out of all of them, she must be the only one who deliberately hoped for someone to attack her.

Now, now, don't get the wrong idea. Sam is perfectly aware where her strength lies. She admits that there are few of the examinees who are much stronger than her.

Technically speaking, this plan is for the dumb and impulsive. This is a test for persons lacking perceiveness and perceptiveness. If the pursuer has both of the qualifications then everything goes smoothly but if that person is not then that would be troublesome.

Her stomach made a low rumbling noise. Ah, Hunger... Man's worst enemy in a survival game like this. Of all the times she badly needs a fishing rod, Gon wasn't there to lend her one.

She sighed as she took out her weapon. Sam detached the metal ring, leaving only the curved blade and the string. It's not much of a fishing rod, but it's the only thing she has right now. Sam cut out some hard wood and carved it to at least make something sharp that resembles a hook.

The day passes by and no one attacked her. After resting for a while, she would walk once again, this time just along the river, hoping for possibilities of encounter. To her disappointment, there's none but at least she was grateful enough that someone's keeping an eye on her. ATLAST! It brings so much joy to the girl.

Surely enough it isn't Hisoka. That's good news. How did she know? Well, Hide and ambush? She don't think that's his game.

Night came and she decided to make a small camp for the night. Good thing she at least know how to be alert even at sleep, because death will surely creep at her in night would be the least of the things she'll worry about. Sam covered her head with her hood and crossed her arms tightly as she slowly closed her eyes to sleep.

On the second day of the fourth phase, Sam decided to walk deep in the forest once again. She just realized that she won't find or meet someone if she continued to stay near the river and wait for a miracle.

Food sources such as the river would be an obvious shelter for survival. With this bloody hunt, people would surely avoid the place. Unlike her, those people are hiding as best as they could. The only moment she stopped was when another presence was detected within her range. Sam smiled. This must be the chance she's planning.

"You idiot!" Voice number 1 said.

"You can't even beat a little kid?!" Voice number 2 angrily scolded someone. And surely he wasn't referring to voice number 1.

Their shouting and the sound of someone beating up a person told her where to go. They're maybe three of them together. Either they're those 3 brothers Tonpa mentioned or just some people who decided to form a team to help each other. Sam instantly strolled towards them and kept hidden behind a tree to listen what's going on or what they're up to. She has to plan when to show herself. Sam just loooves making an entrance.

"Hey kid, just give me your tag."

"Do as I say and I won't hurt you." Another voice spoke. So they really were three of them but with their conversation… She thinks there's another person.

'One of their targets maybe?' Sam thought.

"Stupiid." Someone playfully mocked.

Oh wait, of course they had one more company. How could Sam ignore the distinct smell of something sweet stained with a little bit of blood scent? She only knew one person owning that smell.

A loud thud brought her senses back to focus. Did someone just got punched, kicked or killed?

"Aw, don't say I didn't warn you."

"Right in the gut."

"Must have hurt like a bitch."

On the other hand, Killua stood up like it didn't hurt him at all. "Number 198, huh?" He muttered as he held the I.D. tag of the person who kicked him.

Amori/Imori/Umori gasped (Sam wasn't sure which one is which but confirmed that they are those three bothers because someone worriedly muttered 'brother') and rummaged his pocket only to find that it was already empty. "Since it's only a number off from the one I'm after, maybe number 199 is one of your two buddies?" This alerted the older brothers that this kid is no ordinary boy.

Sam could tell the others knew what this kid is capable off. They're getting serious. She heard the sound of the grass, two pairs of feet cautiously walked around.

Oh wait, where they trying to get into formation or something?

Did they actually believe Killua stands no chance against their teamwork? Maybe they defeated many tough opponents with the formation they normally use for people like him.

Well, not until that very moment.

Killua vanished from their sight and appeared behind the second eldest, his fingers ready to bury in his skin. "Don't move. My fingers are sharper than knives." The young assassin just said it like everything's just normal.

Realizing the danger he was in, the man Killua held gave up his tag, owning the number's 197 and the remaining brother as 199. "Would you give your tag then?" He asked like a spoiled kid asking some sweets from his parents.

So, Killua has all the tags now. He has 6 points already. Surely he would share the other two right? Sam wasn't that bad to him before, right? Surely he wouldn't seriously take it to heart that time when she was being mean to him, especially calling him Killutard or that time back at the underground tunnel or maybe that time...

Ok seriously, she has spent lot of time being a mean girl to Killua.

Anyway, she still needs to make an entrance for the plan.

"Hey, Killua, buddy. What's up?" Sam decided to enter the scene.

Killua raised a brow, wondering when the two of them became buddies. "So it was you hiding behind that tree. You suck at hiding your presence."

A vein ticked. 'Okay, calm down girl. You're here for the tag. Ignore him and be nice for the tag.'

On the other hand, the eldest brother halted midway in surrendering his tag when someone suddenly showed up. The little girl entered the scene without knowing much of anything (at least for the brother's point of view).

The eldest smirked at this, finally seeing an opportunity and grabbed the girl without second thoughts, making her as his hostage. "Your buddy with this girl, right? You were always together with her and the other boys as well. Why don't you release my brother instead or I'll hit this girl!"

Instead of dread, Killua just scratched his cheek as he looked at them with pity and uncertainty. "I don't think that's a wise idea."

His smirk wavered, turning into confusion, "What-"

"Oooh careful big guy… break my neck and your gut's in a wreck too. And I don't really mind going down with you at all." Sam half whispered, her blade positioned just between the gap from her waist and arm, the tip hardly pressing the adult's belly. One wrong move from him and the blade would slash it out.

The two younger Amori Brothers could only stand in fear as they watch their older brother get stupefied at the turn of events.

Knowing that he completely lost the hunt, the brother was going to loosen his arms when she stopped her. "Don't release me yet." This earned them confusion. "Now just listen so I might drop the idea of dissecting your stomach. Ah, make sure to cover me entirely at the back okay and lastly give me your ID tag as secretly as possible. You hear me? As secret as possible. And I need you to act as if you're strangling me. Do your best to not let anyone from behind see you secretly giving the tag okay?"

Amori gulped and agreed to her conditions. He still held the girl but not tightly as before and gave his ID tag.

"Pssst..." Sam hissed Killua. "Let him go." Sam mouthed. Not so sure what's going on, still he let go of the second eldest. As long as she got his target tag then all's well.

"Now that your brother's free, you're going to act as if you free me as well. Don't do funny things; I might reconsider injuring you for real this time." She warned.

The man let her go, making Sam dramatically run over Killua's side, then the three left the area without having second thoughts with their tails between their legs.

Sam felt good with it. "So your target is number 199. I can give it to you if you give me those tags you don't need." She whispered, bargaining with him.

Killua raised an eye brow, not trusting her deal. "How should I know this is not part of your weird schemes? And why are you whispering anyway?" He ended up whispering too at his last sentence.

Sam sighed in defeat and threw the tag to which he caught without effort. "There happy? You already have six points so you won't need those, right? I need to act as the puny, fragile, fool little girl because it's all part of my plan to get my pursuer's tag or I won't pass this phase!" She angrily explained in a low tone.

Killua just stared at her for a few seconds then gradually shook his head with disbelief. She really likes to made things hard for herself. Still, Killua just accepted her terms and gave the tags to her.

But wait… Were the tags this light? Sam grasped the numbers for checking. Did double check and triple check. Nope, the tags didn't stick with each other because he only gave one tag. The girl's face scowled. "Hey! Are you scamming me? It's only one!" Sam fumed.

The young assassin just sighed in irritation. "There's someone following #197. Well, 197 has been tailing me since yesterday so he's pursuer is just hiding up there." He pointed up. "-In the trees. If I were you, I won't wait for him to attack. He's strong for you and he would tail you to claim his target tag. So it would be best to not include him in your 'plan'."

Sam opened her mouth to argue but immediately closed it and thought about it. He was right. If Killua sensed he's strong then that would waste her time. There's only small chance she'll win. She sighed, already regretting the wasted point. She just gave him a weak nod.

"You're weird, but not as weird as Gon. To what I see, you're the type who hates being treated weak."

Sam found herself grinning at this. "What? You've always been checking on me? Aww." She teased. "Well honestly speaking, I don't want people labeling me as Samara the blind, weak and useless. I want everyone to acknowledge me as Samara who is capable of doing something... anything. But... You know sometimes weakness can help us through many things. So in this situation I'm in, my weakness can only help me."

"Hmm... You sound like a knowledgeable grandma." But he did admit she was right. "You really don't look blind you know." It's not just about how she could walk around like a normal kid or even do well in this exam but also the way she carry herself as being pragmatic and practical.

"Seriously, what does a blind person have to look like?"

Killua shrugged before throwing the other tag with so much force. "So how many points do you have currently?" He asked.

"Four points, including mine and one of the brothers tag." Sam admitted while sticking four fingers to the boy. "Fifth point will be the one hunting me and I am waiting for his attack."

"If you want me to help, I can lend you a hand." Killua suddenly offered just like at the blimp. "I'm done here anyway."

Sam looked at him; an eyebrow rose before giving off a teasing smile, which creeped him out and instantly regretted he offered.

"Don't get the wrong idea! I told you I'm done! If you don't want it, I'm not pushing it!" Killua defended.

Samara threw her head backwards and laughed out loud. "You and Gon are both defensive. Well whatever." She ended up shaking her head. Honestly, these two are so alike. "I'm not going to accept your help this time. I did tell you it's okay to be weak but this time I'm not letting anyone help me. There are times you have to do it alone you know. Your friends and families aren't always there for aide and guidance. But thank you anyway. I appreciate your help!"

She was going to set on a different route when she spun around, facing him. "I allow you to call me Sam by the way."

He had to admit, that surprised him a little bit. "Why? Do you already trust me?" Killua asked.

Sam only shook his head. "I never said that I need to trust someone so that people can call me 'Sam'." Sam pointed out. Just as she told Gon before, Samara allows a friend to call her that. And Killua's one of them too, maybe he's not too showy about his interest with others, but that doesn't mean she completely trust those boys. Heck, Sam doesn't even trust Gon he'll keep some secrets and privacy issues to himself. He ended up telling Kurapika, Leorio and Killua about her blind eyes before consulting. "Well then, see you in five days!" Without looking back, she dashed out and left Killua. She has two more points to hunt down within five days.

"Weird girl." Killua muttered, scratching the back of his head as he stared at the retreating figure of the brunette.

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It had been two days since Sam and Killua met in the forest, but her pursuer still hadn't made his first move. She grew more and more irritated as days went on. This can't go on forever, so she had to upgrade her acting to lure that idiot out.

Sam ate some of the herbs she got (yes, she made it sure her hunter is having a clear view) and minutes later she suddenly collapsed and clutched her stomach like she's in so much pain and rasping for breath. The girl struggled to crawl towards a place she can rest for her little 'drama'. She waited for a few hours lying beside a tree and went on to her 'unconscious' state. Until finally she can hear a sound of grass being stepped on and slowly walked towards her.

Like, seriously? This was all it takes to pull him/her out from his/her hiding place? Geez, this guy passed as an idiot.

Just as she was to turn around and tackle that man/woman down, a body collapsed just behind her, making a loud thud. What just happened? Does she make a move now or play unconscious?

"You let you guard down once you saw the girl lost her consciousness and forgot that someone might hunt you down." A deep and gruff voice of a man resonated as he neared them both.

The man tapped the person's clothes to find his tag. Barely ten seconds, he finally found it and he gave a low chuckle. Then he spared the girl a glance. He made a low series of 'Tsk' before leaving their bodies behind.

Just right after making a few steps, something suddenly stopped him from moving forward. To his surprise, strings were wrapped around his body.

"You let your guard down once you saw the person down and didn't even check if I'm really out or not." Samara threw back his words at him as she sat on the ground with her right hand grabbing the string connected to the man's body and playfully twisting the other end that connects to the blade.

"Y-You were fine all along?!" The guy stuttered in shock.

Sam smiled sweetly. "Oh yes mister and thanks by the way... sweet dreams." She jumped towards the man and knocked him out. Now his body lay lumpily near the first guy.

The girl excitedly rummages through his clothes and finally found the tags worth 2 points. She squealed like a girl seeing her celebrity crush and kissed the ID tags so many times. Samara finally has six points. Well, the other guy was not part of it, but still she's grateful that she decided to pull the trick. It's like hitting two birds with one stone!

Thank god her pursuer is blessed with stupidity!

Just as she went on hopping up and down, celebrating her success, she tripped to one of the bodies lying down on the ground and found herself stumbling down a slope. Of course there would be slopes near them. What a perfect timing.

And of all things, she ended up with a huge splash in the water. And she later found out it was a river and she failed to observe it was just near. Yes of all things it has to be the river. THE RIVER!

The cold water wrapped around her. Sam screamed and found her mouth flooded with river water. She coughed and choked. Her arms and legs thrashed out. She was drowning. Sam was dying. Oh Gods, she's going to haunt those men. What a way to die. She survived the wicked swamp of Numere, Hisoka spared her life, escaped the tower full of criminals and now she's going to die in the river. Drowning, choking, coughing, her lungs were ready to burst, explode, they were filled to the brim with water.

And then she remembered she knows how to float. Yes float, not actual swimming. She has at least reached the very very basics of swimming, that means floating. Very impressive right? But once she starts to move her arms or her feet, then she'll go down once again. That just means floating like an immobile object. Yes... Not very cool.

However, her floating ability was enough to make sure she won't drown. She relaxed her body on the water, faced upward and let buoyant force push her body towards the surface of the water. Gasping for air, her head broke out of the water, well just her face actually.

Now this is where everything starts to get difficult. Where the heck is she heading to?

Oh well, karma is a bitch.

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Consider herself lucky when a branch of a fallen tree reached the middle of the river and snagged her. By gradually and carefully grabbing the branch, she pulled herself towards the river side.

By the time her body finally left the water, the blind girl tried to squeeze the water from her clothes. It doesn't have to be dry but at least preventing herself looking like a wet chick. And then Sam didn't waste time in looking for the starting point.

At dusk on the sixth day, she was able to locate where it was and proceeded so that she can find a proper place to rest for the night.

"The fourth Phase of the exam has just ended. Will the applicants please return to the starting point at once?" A loud voice of a female suddenly rang throughout the forest. Sam's eyes blinked a couple of times before releasing a long tired yawn. "You will be given one hour of extra time. If you do not return during the given time, you will fail the exam. Furthermore, you are not allowed to exchange tags after reaching the starting point. Anyone caught swapping tags will be disqualified."

As the female repeated once again the announcement, Samara got out of her hiding place and performed a little bit of stretching so that she'll be fully awaken and to remove excess muscle pain. She followed the voice of the female then walked towards the clearing where the candidates will meet.

The girl then wondered about her friends hunt. Did all of them got 6 points? She knew for sure that Killua already had them but not the other three. That would be so sad if someone from their group could not make it.

"Then we will now check the tags of everyone here!" The announcer girl started. "Number 44 Hisoka-san, Number 53 Pokkle-san, number 99 Killua-san, number 301 Gittarackur-san, number 406 Samara-san, number 191 Bodoro-san, number 294 Hanzo-san."

'Wait, that's it? Only Seven of them? Only her and Killua managed?' Samara thought sadly.

"Oh?" This stopped her from thoughts, a familiar scent hurriedly entered the area, of course Leorio won the strongest, and then she detected Gon and Kurapika's scent. So they were together. How come she hasn't encountered them? The thought of the three of them together makes her pout.

"Ah, three more arrives at the last second. And now for the last few members, number 404 Kurapika-san, number 403 Leorio-san, and number 405 Gon-san. These 10 applicants have passed the 4th phase of the exam!"

The 4th phase has officially ended and the rest of the candidates were instructed to get inside the airship. They were given time to rest before the final phase.

"How come you three ended up being together in the test?" Samara sulked. The four of them were hanging out against one of the window in the alley. The girl finished her task after four days and then all she got was a trip in the river for maybe five hours. She's not so sure, the time for her felt so long back then. Or maybe she was just over exaggerating.

Sam could have at least met up with one of them while looking for the meeting place. "It would have been fun."

"No, no, It's not fun at all." The three of them simultaneously answered her while shaking their heads.

"I felt pathetic actually... I ended up needing Kurapika and Gon to pass the 4th phase." Leorio said, voice filled with disappointment to himself. "I promise I'll return the favor. So..." He paused and tried to avoid his blushing face. "Thanks."

Samara was going to tease him but Leorio shut her up by clamping his hand to her mouth. He already had foreseen what she's up to.

"Mmemf mmef mmomf-"

"Ouch! You're bite really hurts you know?" Leorio grunted as he retreated his hand from her like she has rabies, and massaged it to relieve the pain. He just cursed.

"Fine, fine! I'll stop... for now. I want to say something too." She told them. "Well basically, all of you helped me a lot during the entire exam. I don't know what happened to you three actually but Gon and Kurapika helped you just as you three helped me right? To tell you honestly, I felt somehow remorsed at what happened at the tower. I felt guilty and I partially blamed myself for slowing you guys down."

Leorio and Gon looked at each other.

"But we never thought of you that way Sam. You are our friend."

"Don't forget that without you and Gon, we won't be reaching this phase."

Sam smirked and scoffed. "Well, SOMEONE ALREADY SAID IT TO ME."

Upon knowing who's Sam is pointing out, Kurapika smiled at that.

"So I would like to thank you as well!" Sam beamed, making three boys returned the same smile she had.

"I have an announcement for all applicants." A voice suddenly broke the joyous moment they had, and they listened. "The chairman wishes to interview the remaining candidates. When your number is called, please come to the first reception room on the second floor. Then we will start with number 44, Hisoka-sama." The voice ended with a loud crack.

Samara looked at her side as she felt Gon's body went stiff. The atmosphere around him is different as usual since the group was together. What happened?

When it was her time for the interview, she left them and proceeded to the said room. Samara sat face to face with Chairman Netero, he's going to ask a few questions to satisfy his curiosity.

First, he asked why she wants to become a hunter, and she gave him the same answer. Netero understood it and proceeded to the next question. Which of the other nine applicants would she least wanted to fight?

Hisoka has been creeping her out during the whole exam so she has been keeping his distance away from the magician. Numbers 403, 404, 405, and 99 because they've been helping her. And also Sam includes number 44 because that would mean 'kiss goodbye to her life and her dream.'

As soon as she was done, Samara decided to walk around first. The interview is still going on and the others are not yet called. It would be best to wonder around while waiting for them.

She doesn't have anything much to do. So she just let her feet navigate her around. It was a forty minutes' walk. And just as she's going to turn around the corner, she heard voices.

"Gon." It was Kurapika. "We've reached the Final Phase of the exam."

"Yeah." Gon replied with a very low enthusiasm. Where was his overly joyous spirit? Isn't it supposed to be one of the times he'll get so excited? Now, Samara's totally convinced something's wrong.

"Gon." Samara suddenly interrupted with a loud voice making their heads turn to her. "Did something happen during the 4th phase? When we met up, you were acting a little strange. And you've been somewhat subdued since we left Zevil Island."

"…"

"My target was Hisoka." Gon blurted.

Sam's eyes went wide. 'Well that's something to be bothered with, but wait... Gon was able to pass the exam. Does that mean he used the same method as she was?' Sam thought as she waited for him to continue.

"I waited for the perfect chance and stole his tag, but someone was tailing me, and he got me with poisoned dart. Soon after, Hisoka took back his tag from the person who got me, and he left it with me. He said that I owed him now."

What?

"Hisoka said that?"

"I told him I didn't need his help, and he sent me flying and told me he'll only take it back when I'm able to punch him in the face, just like his punch. I was so mad..." His voice started to falter and his shoulders started to shake. "That I couldn't do anything against him..." Then he can't keep his tears anymore from running down his cheeks. It was the very first time she heard Gon so mad or even cry. The boy harbored nothing but optimism since day one. It never came up to their mind that they will witness Gon like this.

He cried for a few seconds and they just let him cry out those bottled emotions.

Gon then suddenly chuckled. "After that, I was pretty miserable and lonely I felt so helpless, I wanted company... I wanted to help someone, I guess. That's why I was looking for you three, though I only found Kurapika and Leorio..."

Samara patted his back to at least comfort him. If that happened to her, she would feel infuriated. "Stupid... Anyone would feel helpless against him." But deep inside Sam was grateful Hisoka did it for him. He could take Gon's life if it weren't for his interest on him. Sam won't say it out loud. It would just add heavy emotions he got inside.

"Gon... Leorio and I have only been able to make it this far because of you. We're truly grateful." Kurapika said, as he cast a smile to Gon.

"Honestly speaking, I wouldn't survive the whole exam if it weren't for you guys. Back at the boat, the marathon and even diving the cliff between Mt. Split in half. You three became my eyes. I should be the one to feel grateful."

Gon and Kurapika shared a smile.

"I'd also like to thank you two." Gon copied the two giving off their thanks and the three ended up laughing how dramatic they were a few seconds ago.

As they waited inside the blimp, Gon and the others opened up and deepened their bonds. The remaining 10 candidates are now heading towards the Final Phase.

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End of Ninth Hunt